Key Points
- Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher has given an update on Joel Randall’s future after the midfielder was not included in the squad for the Fleetwood Town match.
- Randall spent the second half of last season on loan at Blackpool after Bolton sent him out in January.
- Schumacher said Randall had started pre-season well and described him as “a really good runner” who looks “nice and sharp”.
- The head coach also said Bolton will see what happens next, leaving Randall’s longer-term future open.
- Bolton have previously moved Randall on loan because they had several options in the number 10 role.
- Randall is still under contract at Bolton until June 2028, according to the report.
Bolton (Bolton Today) July 29, 2026 - Steven Schumacher has offered a fresh update on Joel Randall’s future at Bolton Wanderers after the midfielder was left out of the squad for the Fleetwood Town clash.
What did Schumacher say?
As reported by the Bolton News, Schumacher said he felt Randall “did well” for Bolton in the early part of last season and added that “some of our football was outstanding” when the midfielder played. The Bolton boss also stressed that there has to be “an end product at the end of it”, making clear that he wants more decisive attacking output from the player.
Why was Randall loaned out?
Randall was sent to Blackpool on loan in January after what the report described as a disappointing start to the season under Schumacher. The Bolton News said the move reunited him with former Bolton head coach Ian Evatt, and it also noted that Bolton had a number of other options in the number 10 position at the time.
Is Randall still part of the plans?
Schumacher did not close the door on a future return for Randall, saying he is “another one” who arrived in pre-season in good condition and looks sharp. The report said this means Randall could still have another opportunity at Bolton, even though his immediate situation remains uncertain.
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What does the Fleetwood absence mean?
The player’s omission from the squad against Fleetwood Town has heightened questions about his role, with the report stating that Schumacher has now issued an update on his future following that absence. The Bolton News also said Randall is currently contracted until June 2028, which means Bolton are not under pressure to make an immediate decision.
Could Bolton still keep him?
The report suggested Bolton may be trying to protect Randall’s value if they decide to sell him, but it also raised the possibility that club staff genuinely believe they still have a player who could be useful. It added that another loan move may suit Randall best if it guarantees regular football, because he needs a full season of consistent games to show his best level.
What happened at Blackpool?
Randall made the loan switch to Blackpool in January and spent the second half of the campaign there, but the move was described as difficult because Blackpool were battling relegation for much of the spell. The report said he did not play as many games as he would likely have wanted, which may have limited his chances to build momentum.
What is the bigger Bolton picture?
Schumacher’s comments suggest Bolton are still weighing up whether Randall can become a bigger part of the squad or whether another move is the better option. The key issue, according to the report, is whether he can provide the goals and assists needed to justify a regular role in the team.
What did the report say next?
The Bolton News said the best outcome for Randall may be to secure a move, likely on loan, to a side where he would be an important player every week. It argued that constant football is essential for him to give himself the best chance of rediscovering his top level.
As reported by the Bolton News, Schumacher’s stance leaves Randall’s future open rather than settled, but the midfielder now appears to be fighting for another chance at the club. The final decision may depend on how he performs in pre-season and whether Bolton believe he can turn sharpness into consistent end product.